For many people, skincare is about looking better. For Tyvonna Sears, it is about helping people feel better, too. As owner of Skyn Stuff Esthetics, Sears helps clients improve their skin health while also educating the next generation of estheticians. A Master Esthetician who previously taught at The Chrysm Institute of Esthetics, Sears has built a career around helping others understand and care for their skin.
Outside of work, Sears is equally dedicated to her family and community. Married with three children and a new grandbaby, she spends much of her free time with loved ones and caring for her mini farm, which includes 12 chickens, two goats and two pigs. She is also active in the local community through the 100 Black Women charter and her social justice ministry.
That desire to serve others has shaped every part of Sears’ professional journey. Since opening Skyn Stuff Esthetics in August 2022, she has focused on providing advanced skincare treatments while helping clients better understand their individual needs. Today, the medical spa offers a variety of services designed to improve overall skin health and address concerns ranging from acne and pigmentation issues to signs of aging and scarring.
While treatments are important, Sears believes education is equally valuable. “One of the most important aspects of my work is educating clients,” Sears says. “I want them to understand the different treatment options available, the benefits of each treatment, what we’re doing and, more importantly, why we’re doing it.” She says helping clients achieve long-term skin health and confidence is a major part of her mission, especially since many people arrive overwhelmed by misinformation found online.
In fact, one of the biggest challenges Sears encounters today has nothing to do with skin itself. “Clients will often come in wanting a treatment they saw online when it may not actually be appropriate for their skin type,” Sears says. While microneedling remains one of the most popular treatments in the industry, Sears encourages clients to be cautious about trends and social media advice. Instead, she requires consultations for services such as chemical peels, laser treatments and microneedling so clients can receive personalized recommendations based on their specific needs.
That personalized approach is one reason many clients continue returning. “When I read client reviews, one of the most frequent comments I see is clients say they feel at home and comfortable during their experience,” Sears says. “They feel heard throughout the process instead of feeling as if they were simply receiving a treatment and leaving.” According to Sears, creating a welcoming environment and helping clients understand their concerns is just as important as the treatments.
Much of Sears’ work focuses on treating pigmentation concerns, particularly among clients with skin of color. She recently added a treatment which can address a variety of skin conditions while remaining safe for all skin tones and skin types. “This particular treatment targets acne, pigmentation and scarring and is safe for any age, any skin color and any skin type,” Sears says. She also utilizes a skin analysis technology, which helps clients better understand their skin health and visually track their progress over time. “I’ve always seen improvement when clients consistently follow both their treatment plan and homecare routine,” Sears says.
Education remains one of Sears’ greatest passions. In addition to her previous teaching role at The Chrysm Institute, she regularly speaks at health conferences and skincare education programs. She has also participated in women’s events, discussing topics including sunscreen use, skincare routines and effective homecare practices.
Sears’ commitment to education eventually inspired another project close to her heart. Through her nonprofit, Bold at Skyn Stuff Inc., Sears helps teens struggling with acne concerns and hosts annual free back-to-school facial events for middle school, high school and college students. She also hosts community events teaching use of skincare products and treatments without guests feeling pressured to make a purchase.
The most rewarding part of Sears’ work has little to do with treatments or technology. “One thing that always stands out to me is when people say they have ‘bad skin,’” Sears says. “I try to help clients understand that it’s not about having bad skin — it’s about understanding how to care for your skin and improving your skin health.” She says watching clients gain confidence, recommend friends and family and grow over the years is very meaningful to her.
Whether she is helping a client navigate a skincare concern, educating future estheticians or supporting teens through her nonprofit, Sears remains focused on helping people feel confident in their own skin. At Skyn Stuff Esthetics, skincare is about more than appearance — it is about education, empowerment and helping people see themselves in a new light.
TO THE POINT:
Skyn Stuff Esthetics
Address: 729 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Ste. 3-B, Newport News, VA 23606
Contact: Tyvonna Sears, owner
Phone: 757-952-5893
Website: skynstuff.com
